Jennifer Frances has made it her goal to get children to read.
Frances started Bess the Book Bus 18 years ago in Tampa. Her mission is to build home libraries, and she’s expanded her reach across the country to give free books to children.
“What I want to make sure kids have is the ability to come aboard the book bus and choose something they think is fun to read that appeals to them,” said Frances.
Frances concentrates on schools in impoverished areas that don’t have sufficient access to libraries.
“A lot of our schools don’t have libraries anymore, or they share a librarian,” said Frances.
42% of families in the United States can’t afford books, according to The National Center for Children in Poverty.
The Book Bus has provided many disadvantaged children the opportunity to read books of their choice.
“They got to choose their book and it’s absolutely free. It’s free to the school. It’s free to the children,” said Frances.
Frances has already donated 50,000 books to children in more than 30 states across the country.
Visit http://bessthebookbus.org/ to learn more.
Credits:
Reporter: Rebecca Lee
Anchor: Cheyenne Pagan
Web Editor/Social Media Producer: Emily Diaz
